This structure was built in 1856, the year Mount Olivet opened. It was originally a holding vault as the earthen covering helped the deceased to be kept at cooler temperatures. Even as embalming procedures improved in the 1860s, this was used well into the 20th century. It was designed by architect Adolphus Heiman, who went on to die in the Civil War as a Confederate Colonel and is buried at Mount Olivet's Confederate Circle.
By 1997, the unused vault had fallen into disrepair with a fear of collapse. The local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans repaired the vault and converted into a Confederate memorial. Today on the inside are displays of prominent Confederates who are buried at the cemetery including Mary Kate Patterson, John Bell, George Maney, William Bate & Adelicia Acklen.
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